Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

For each of the following common challenges, write the counsel from Philippians that you would use to resolve it:

• People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

As we attend church and participate in the activities there, when strife arises, we need to be sure to put those things aside and think of what Christ would do and how He would treat others.  Church, of all places, needs to be a refuge and a place of love and kindness and safety for the members of the congregation.  Philippians 2:2 says we need to “…be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  We should love each other and let go of petty issues that we can be “of one mind.”

• Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

The youth in the church will not always live at home.  There will come a time that they move out and are left to rely on the light of their own testimony as they face adulthood.  In Philippians 2:12, we are counseled, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”  When it comes to our salvation, we cannot rely on anyone else.  The institute manual says, “The Church does not accept the doctrine that a mere murmured belief in Jesus Christ is all that is necessary…’Work out your salvation’ is an exhortation to demonstrate by activity, by thoughtful, obedient effort the reality of faith…To work out one’s salvation…is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go…” 

There’s a couple of young women that spend a lot of time at my house and church is something we talk about often.  Through talking with them, and what I remember when I was a teenager, I have seen the importance of having a personal and individual testimony of the living Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is this testimony that will get you through any trial you may face in this life. 

• An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).

This is a hard one…family is such an important aspect of life and the loss of their association would be devastating.  In a situation like this, one must consider the alternative.  If an individual has developed a testimony of Christ, and denies it, what are the consequences?  I have found that turning away from my faith has led to more devastation and heartache.  Losing your family would be extremely difficult. 

Philippians 3:13 says, “[reach] forth unto those things which are before.”  We must look forward with faith, trusting God to direct our paths.  Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  If we act on our faith, and rely on Christ, no matter what challenges we face, Christ will always give us the strength to endure, no matter how difficult or impossible they seem.  I have learned that obedience is always the better choice. 

• How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? 

2 Nephi 32:3 teaches that we should, “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”  This writing assignment is an example of this principle because I was able to find answers to real answers and guidance to difficulties that I or someone I know has faced in this life.  The scriptures contain answers to all of life’s challenges.  As we turn to the words and truths written in the scriptures, we will be blessed to find the answers and peace that we are seeking.  We can and will be guided to do all things that our Father in Heaven would have us do.